Should West Ham consider swap deal to convince Chelsea into selling Ruben Loftus-Cheek?

West Ham United are keen on signing Chelsea playmaker Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the January transfer window but reportedly face a tall order in convincing Maurizio Sarri to let him leave - but the Hammers could play a trump card.

Despite starring at the World Cup, the former Crystal Palace loanee has only been afforded six appearances in all competitions. He has shown he has what it takes to shine for Chelsea, though, with four goals.

Three of those came in the Europa League, as the Blues beat BATE Borisov 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. West Ham want to land the midfielder to give their side an attacking edge from deep with Manuel Lanzini still injured.

But with Sarri unequivocal in his stance over Loftus-Cheek's future, it seems unlikely West Ham will land the fleet-footed playmaker. Unless, Manuel Pellegrini uses a potential trump card.

Instead of succumbing to what is becoming more and more inevitable, losing Rice on a free, the Hammers could include Rice in a swap deal for Loftus-Cheek and finally tempt Chelsea into parting ways with their academy product.

Will Butcher

Sports journalist who graduated in 2016 from Staffordshire University, and has since worked for Football Insider. Obsessed with anything football related. Still dreaming of a Premier League return for Leeds United.